Associate Teacher, Preschool 

A full-time benefits-eligible position beginning August 20, 2025 

NPES is seeking a collaborative, engaging, progressive, emotionally attuned, and culturally responsive Preschool Associate Teacher to assist in our outstanding Reggio-inspired preschool program, working with our threes, the entry class for our preschool through eighth grade independent school. 

A successful candidate will bring early childhood experience, confidence, warmth, joy, and a process-oriented play-based approach to educating NPES’ youngest learners at the direction of a lead teacher. A grasp of the social-emotional and intellectual needs of 3- and 4-year-olds is a must. In our early childhood program, educators act as observers and guides, assisting students in purposeful play to organically develop foundational academic and social skills for success in the years ahead. Curating project-based, thematic learning opportunities in high-interest, emergent areas of study–with the development of social-emotional skills always at the forefront–is the hallmark of the NPES program. 

The Preschool Associate Teacher works closely and collaboratively with one full-time lead teacher in the preschool classroom (students who are three years old in the fall) as well as a part-time early childhood Art Teacher and a part-time Early Childhood Aid, while also being part of a larger early childhood team of 6 educators working in Preschool and Junior Kindergarten (including an experienced Team Leader). Associate Teachers at NPES do valuable work, making a difference in the education and lives of their students. They also benefit from the mentoring of outstanding lead teachers and are included fully in faculty meetings and in many professional development experiences. 

Qualifications 

• A bachelor’s degree is required, with preference for a degree in early childhood or a related field
• An understanding of the developmental needs of children ages three and four (intellectually and social-emotionally) and the ability to structure and maintain a safe, healthy, respectful, and positive classroom community
• A philosophy and approach rooted in the importance of play and an ability to develop emergent curriculum authentically in response to student interest 
• A growth mindset, seeing mistakes as opportunities for growth, and a belief that learning, while it involves struggle and the need for resilience, should be joyful
• Strong executive functioning and communication skills (both written and oral)
• A commitment to the cultural curiosity and literacy necessary to contribute with intention to an affirming, inclusive, equitable, and just community where all possess dignity and respect
• Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and administrators to support the lead teacher and student learning and growth
• Strong professional references

About North Park Elementary School

North Park Elementary School is an independent school accredited by the Independent Schools Association of the Central States (ISACS) located in Chicago's North Center-Ravenswood community. North Park serves 239 students in Preschool through 8th Grade Our students grow in the context of a positive, authentic, and committed independent school community of educators who know and appreciate them, peers who care for and support them, and parents and caregivers who engage meaningfully in our community. We are dedicated to raising confident, self-reliant individuals in partnership with families, instilling a sense of curiosity, a passion for learning, and a commitment to impacting the broader community in positive ways. North Park seeks to nurture curiosity, spark creativity, and sustain a vibrant, inclusive, community that supports all students, helping them become the best version of themselves. North Park believes that diversity is a critical source of strength for all. For more on the school’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, visit https://www.npeschool.org/about-us/dei/

Connections working at North Park Elementary School